A CAMPAIGN to protect the canal network against what is seen as a threat from the Government has already gained a torrent of support, according to an organiser.

Last week, the Pioneer revealed that workers on the Shropshire Union Canal will be hit by British Waterways' plan to axe 180 jobs across the country.

Since then a pressure group called Save Our Waterways has launched a nationwide campaign to head off the cuts which its members blame on a lack of Government support for the network.

A programme of protest events and activities has already been put together.

And although nothing is yet planned for Ellesmere Port, campaign member Chris Gibson said as the Shropshire Union was such a vital part of the network he believed it was only a matter of time before Ellesmere Port events are arranged.

The first national 'spectacle' will take place over the weekend of November 25 and 26 when waterways up and down the country will be blockaded by boating people.

There will also be mass gatherings at high-profile locations such as Birmingham's Gas Street Basin and other major cities' waterfront areas.

Campaigners are also circulating a nationwide petition and providing advice and encouragement to people to write protest letters to their MPs and the Government.

On January 16 boats of all shapes and sizes aim to congregate on the River Thames outside the House of Commons.

Final 'push' will see a repeat of November's mass blockade at spots across the country over the weekend of February 24 and 25 February, when the petition will be delivered to Parliament by nar-rowboat.

Meanwhile, Sir Robert Atkins, Conservative deputy leader in the European Parliament representing the North West, has blamed Environment secretary Margaret Beckett for the lack of government funding which has resulted in the proposed cuts.

He said: 'These are just the first cuts we are going to see coming out of the department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as it attempts to close the black hole it created through its own incompetence.

'Many British farmers have suffered needlessly because of the single farm payments crisis that Defra brought upon itself.

'Now the effects of this shambles are being felt across the country in job losses, and the loss of a great British tradition.

'This could be disastrous for the North West canal network. We should be opening up more networks, not closing them.

'The blame for these job losses and cuts rests with former environment secretary, Margaret Beckett, who orchestrated the farm payments crisis.' nDetails of the Save Our Waterways campaign can be found on the website www.saveourwaterways.org.uk